South Central Montana Travel RegionWest Yellowstone, Montana

West Yellowstone,
Montana is located on US Highway 20, near
the junction of Montana, Idaho
and Wyoming. Located less than two miles from Wyoming, it is best known as
the western gateway to
Yellowstone National
Park. Highway 20 and connecting state roads are open year-round.

The Oregon Short Line Railroad opened the south-central tip of Montana
to settlement and commerce in the early 1900s and in 1920, land that had
originally been part of Yellowstone National Forest was signed over for
private development, paving the way to the formal establishment of a
town site.

While parts of the nearby national park are closed to traffic during the
winter, the town of West Yellowstone and some of the surrounding forest
areas are open during all four seasons. Popular winter activities include
hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. The
world-renowned Rendezvous Ski Race, a part of the American Ski Marathon
Series, takes place in West Yellowstone each year. Also, there are more than
600 miles of snowmobile trails within easy reach from town.

Western Montana is also known for its fishing, kayaking, and horseback
riding opportunities. Situated amidst numerous lakes and rivers, the West
Yellowstone area is considered a premier destination for the dedicated
angler. South Central Montana's rivers and lakes are world famous for
their brown and rainbow trout fishing. Nearby Hebgen Lake, which is fed by
the Madison River, offers canoeing, kayaking and sailing, as well as ideal
opportunities for catching that 14- to 20-inch trout.

Accommodations vary from comfortable
hotels to rustic
ranches. Camping
and RV accommodations are scattered throughout the area. Visitors who
are planning to visit the national park may wish to make a stop at the
Yellowstone Historic Center first, which has rotating exhibits on
Yellowstone history and ecology.

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